News, links, notices, commentary and outtakes for and about Mid-Southerners who make, act in and like to watch movies.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

New actor/musician representation firm

DS Entertainment Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-18-08

Casting Director Lisa Lax of Lax Casting and Talent Agent Darlene McDowellof DS Entertainment have united and are proud to announce the immediateopening of a DS Entertainment office in Memphis. The office will be overseenby long-time industry pro Lisa Lax. The partnership will primarily representactors and musicians in the Memphis and Nashville markets. Lax says, " thelocal acting community is strong and deserves strong representation and anagent that is passionate about them. "

Lax brings 20 plus years of experience as a casting director, manager andactress. Her most recent credits include feature films, My Blueberry Nights,Chasing the White Dragon, and the TV pilot Southern Comfort. She has oftenbeen asked to travel with her clients to Los Angeles to sign them with awest coast agent - not an easy task. She also has frequently broughtindustry celebrity guest to Memphis to further her actors' education. Herrepoir with the local and regional talent has helped Lax continue to be acornerstone in the film community.

Originally from Tulsa, Okla., McDowell moved to Nashville in 1986. Herbackground was primarily in the music business until 1988 in which she wasapproached by a major production company and asked to help supply talent fora music video. That led to booking talent for numerous Nashville productioncompanies, which led to commercials and film, etc. She has had talent infilms/TV series/music videos/industrials/ corporate conventions, far too manyclients to mention. She has represented actors from the upcoming countryartist Chris Young to Miley Cyrus.

Darlene values her talent and her reputation as a professional agent andexecutive director for DS Entertainment for 19+ years.

McDowell comments, "I am so pleased to have Lisa Lax join me in the businesspartnership of DS Entertainment. She has the experience and the values thatwill enhance the business."

With new and competitive statewide production tax incentives, DSEntertainment has now positioned itself in the two major production marketsin Tennessee. Lisa and Darlene have a wonderful blend of aggressivesalesmanship, professional integrity, and a deep care and concern for eachclient they represent. Being the only union affiliated (SAG & AFTRA) agencyin Memphis will open new doors for the local talent and raise the quality ofservices that Producers have become accustomed to in other major markets. Nohidden fees, no required classes - just dedicated and professional peopleworking together for the clients they serve.